The Mangoes

Book excerpt: The Mangoes: Their Botany, Nomenclature, Horticulture and Utilization provides a comprehensive discussion of existing mango species and their value in the common mango (Mangifera indica) industry. It covers mango species growing in very dry areas, like savannahs; species growing on inundated lands; at altitudes over 1000 m in the tropics and at higher latitudes outside the tropics; under monsoon climate conditions and under constantly wet conditions; and so-called wild species that compete in flavor with the common mango. The book begins with an overview of the genus Mangifera, covering distribution, ecology, morphology, and development. The remaining chapters discuss the phytochemistry and chemotaxonomy of the Anacardiaceae with special emphasis on Mangifera; conservation of Mangifera species; a historical overview of the development of knowledge of Mangifera; subdivision of the genus; species of uncertain position; and excluded species. The book also includes a list of references along with indexes to scientific names, vernacular names, and collection numbers. The present text was written for horticulturists and mango growers. However, it may also be useful to scientific botanists, ecologists, students, and teachers.